Mississippi River Project

Transcription

1 Mississippi River Project Fallll iis Fastt Approachiing Now that the kids are back in school and Labor Day weekend is almost history the staff on the Mississippi River Project is starting to prepare for the fall. This summer has been hot and dry but for many of our recreation areas this has been a great season. Many of our campgrounds saw more visitors this year than they have seen in a long time. And although the water levels have been low recreation on the river remains high. We hope that you will take a chance to get out and enjoy these last days of summer and visit us along the river. MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROJECT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT George Braden Maintenance Worker My name is George Braden and I recently started working for the Mississippi River Project three months ago on the maintenance crew. I originally studied farm operations at Iowa State University and I spent the last 12 years as a self employed contractor. I am enjoying my new job with the Mississippi River Project because I get to work with good people in the great outdoors. I also enjoy having a four day work week so I can spend more time with my family and friends. Growing up farming you learn that time is valuable and that there is always something that needs to be done. My family farm is just west of Eldridge, Iowa and today my family and I are still involved in farming. My lovely wife Sondra and I have four children and were recently blessed with our first grandchild Gracie. In my spare time I enjoy getting involved with my church and men s missions. I also like kayaking, volleyball, bike riding, cross country skiing and I run in the annual BIX 7 road race as well as a few other races.

2 WATER SAFETY EFFORTS AT 3 RD ANNUAL FLOATZILLA Once again this year the park rangers with the Mississippi River Project provided water safety patrol for a paddlesports celebration known as Floatzilla. This annual event hosted by the local non-profit group River Action was held on Saturday August 18 th The event had over 1,600 paddlers and remains the largest gathering of kayaks and canoes on the Mississippi River. The rangers working the event assisted paddlers in navigating the river in a safe manner via several designated routes. Some paddlers canoed/kayaked up to 11 miles during the course of the event and were able to pass through the locks at Locks and Dam 15. Others paddled shorter distances and portaged around the dam on the back side of Arsenal Island. The celebration included a Guinness World record breaking attempt for the largest flotilla but fell short of the record which stands at 1,902 boats. Natturall Resource Managementt News MISSISSIPPI RIVER SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The Mississippi River Project Office (MRPO) manages over 2,000 miles of shoreline along the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River Project s Shoreline Management Plan started in For your reference the Shoreline Management Plan is available at: The MRPO seeks to manage, protect, and preserve the project resources while providing quality recreation opportunities. The Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is the established policy concerning private exclusive use of the Corps of Engineers-owned property from Guttenberg, Iowa to Saverton, Missouri. Private exclusive use involves the authorized placement of private recreational structures or pursuing certain activities along the Corps shorelines that are limited to individuals. The plan discusses the conditions and restrictions of such private exclusive uses. Photo provided by River Action

3 Types of Permits/Licenses Any structures that will be allowed within the Limited Development Areas will fall into one of these two categories: Shoreline Use Permit (SUP) * SUP s are issued for water-based structures such as docks and boat lifts. * Vegetation Modification or mowing is considered an SUP. * Cost is $25.00 for a 3 year permit. * The SUP s are issued by the Mississippi River Project Office. Special Use License (SUL) * SUL s are granted for land-based structures such as steps, sheds and light poles. * Retaining walls are covered with a SUL. * Cost is $ for a 3 year permit. * The SUL s are issued by the Real Estate Division, Corps of Engineers. The maximum amount you will pay for the combination of an SUP and SUL is currently $ for 3 years. How to Apply for a Shoreline Use Permit or Special Use License 1. Contact the Mississippi River Project Office at or the Real Estate Division at and ask to be mailed a Shoreline Management Application. Or via our website at 2. Complete and mail the application and drawings according to the instructions on the application. Do not start construction without receiving written permission from the Corps of Engineers. 3. Submission of maps and drawings of the requested structures must accompany the application. 4. Obtaining Corps authorizations does not preclude the need for the applicant to obtain any or all other necessary Federal, State, and local authorizations. You may contact the following for information about the Shoreline Management Program on the Mississippi River, Pools 11-22: Jeff Nelson, Shoreline Ranger Jeffrey.e.nelson@usace.army.mil Joseph S. Lundh, Supervisory Natural Resources Specialist Freddie Taylor, Real Estate Division Dubuque Ranger Sttattiion News The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project invites campers and the visiting public to attend campground programs held at the Grant River Recreation Area. Throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, presenters will cover a host of topics for all to enjoy. As a reminder, all campground programs are FREE to the public and are subject to cancellation or rescheduling in the event of rain or severe weather. Programs for the month of September include:

4 UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT GRANT RIVER AND BLANDING LANDING CAMPGROUNDS Saturday, September 1 st at 7:00 PM Grant River All Star Country Dancers Sunday, September 2 nd at 6:30 PM Blanding Landing Berry s World of Whittling Grant River Campground is located 2 miles south of Potosi, WI off Hwy 133. The campground offers 73 campsites, electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, drinking water, a dump station, and playground. Blanding Landing Campground is located 13 miles south of Galena, IL off Blackjack Road. The campground offers 37 campsites, electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, drinking water, a dump station, and playground. To reserve a campsite contact the National Recreation Reservation Service toll free at (877) Campsites may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Dubuque Park Rangers by at mvrodmn11@usace.army.mil or by phone at (563) NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY EVENT AT GRANT RIVER SEPTEMBER 29 TH National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands. The US Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project will host a National Public Lands Day event on September 29 th at the Grant River Recreation Area. The time is yet to be determined. We will be constructing a new volleyball court, working on park beautification, and gathering data on our bat houses in the park and moving unused ones to different locations. For more information contact the Dubuque Park Rangers at Thomson Ranger Sttattiion News 21ST ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER PHOTO CONTEST OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 2 ND The Annual Mississippi River Project Photo Contest Open House is scheduled for Sunday, September 2 nd. This event will be held at the Thomson Causeway Day Use Area in the Stone picnic shelter from 2:00-3:00 pm. Participants have entered photos in three categories: Landscape, wildlife and recreation. Each year photos are judged by a local photographer and awarded First, second and third for each category. Come and join photographers at the Open House where they can share their stories of capturing that perfect picture. For more information regarding the contest, contact the Thomson Ranger Office at

5 PROGRAMS AT THOMSON CAUSEWAY & FISHERMAN S CORNER CAMPGROUNDS: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project invites campers and the visiting public to campground programs held at Thomson Causeway and Fisherman s Corner Recreation Areas. As a reminder, all campground programs are FREE to the public and are subject to cancellation or rescheduling in the event of rain or severe weather. Upcoming programs for the month include: Saturday, September 1 st at 7:00 PM Thomson Causeway Fall Gardening Tricks and Tips Saturday, September 1 st at 7:00 PM Fisherman s Corner Mississippi Mud Art with Frank Ross Saturday, September 8 th at 7:00 PM Thomson Causeway Native American History Thomson Causeway Campground is located on Lewis Ave and Main St. in Thomson, IL. The campground offers 131 campsites, electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, drinking water, a dump station, boat ramp, and playground. Fisherman s Corner Campground is located just on Highway 84 just north of Hampton, IL. The campground offers 56 campsites, electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, drinking water, a dump station, and playground. To reserve a campsite contact the National Recreation Reservation Service toll free at (877) Campsites may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Thomson Park Rangers by at mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil or by phone at (815) THOMSON CAUSEWAY CRAFT SHOW SEPTEMBER 10 TH The Mississippi River Project Thomson Ranger Office is hosting the Annual Camper Craft Show at Thomson Causeway Recreation Area on Saturday, September 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Camper Craft Show is an event designed to inspire conservation of public lands through the creation of handmade goods and crafts from natural materials. Crafters interested in setting up a display must register with the Thomson Ranger Office by Friday, September 7. If you are interested in more information, or to register as a crafter, contact the Thomson Ranger Office at (815)

6 MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROJECT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Chelsea Mayer Seasonal Ranger My name is Chelsea Mayer and I have been working for the Corps of Engineers since April 2011 as a seasonal park ranger at the Thomson Ranger Office. While working for the Corps, I have graduated from Clinton Community College with an Associates of Science degree. I am currently pursuing my bachelors degree in Environmental Studies from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. Throughout my two summers I have worked for the Mississippi River Project, I have met many great people within the Corps, as well as, other agencies like the US Fish and Wildlife Services and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. I love working outdoors and performing the wide variety of tasks we do each day. I am hoping to use the skills that I have acquired from this job to pursue a full time position with the Corps of Engineers or another agency where I can use my knowledge and passion for the great outdoors. Miissiissiippii Riiver Viisiittor Centter News AN EAGLE WITH A NEW POINT OF VIEW For many years Richard Haggard was a friendly face recognized by thousands of visitors who passed through the doors of the Mississippi River Visitor Center. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm Richard could be found volunteering his time to help the staff of the Mississippi River Project with a variety of tasks. From answering phones, to talking with visitors, and even assisting with large events like the annual fishing clinic for kids, Richard was always there to lend a hand. His first experience as a Corps Volunteer was back in 1990 when he offered to distribute safe boating literature to recreational boaters on the 4th of July at Auxiliary Lock 14 in Pleasant Valley, Iowa. Since that time Richard has graciously provided 7344 hours of his time to the US Army Corps of Engineers at the Mississippi River Project. Over the years he has seen many staff come and go including over two dozen student employees at the Visitor Center. He has been a great friend, mentor, and role model to the people he worked with on a regular basis. In March of 2010 Richard decided hang up his hat and retired from his job at the Visitor Center after serving for nearly 20 years. His service to the Project was above and beyond what anyone could have ever expected and will be forever appreciated by those who had the opportunity to work with such a giving man. To honor Richard and his many hours of service at the Visitor Center a new plaque has been placed on the wall next to our American Bald Eagle display. The eagle was recently relocated to the stairwell entry on a suggestion that was made by Richard.

7 Muscattiine Ranger Sttattiion News NEW AND IMPROVED DUMP STATION In June and July of 2012, the Mississippi River Project s Shady Creek Recreation Area became the recipient of a much needed newly designed sewer dump station. It has two 1500 gallon holding tanks and accepts two lanes of traffic where campers can pull alongside simultaneously and dump. Both lanes are concrete and have been raised to direct surface water away from the holding tanks. Thanks to the Mississippi River Project Maintenance Crew s efforts, this project will add greatly to the needs of this busy park. Thanks to everyone for your patience and cooperation in making this project a success! PARTNERING WITH A PURPOSE! The Mississippi River Project s Muscatine Ranger Station recently partnered with the Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge Youth Conservation Corps. The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) mission is to strengthen and maintain our current natural resources while preparing youth to continue with the responsibility of managing conservation practices in the future. They have various objectives and one of them is facility upkeep and safety. This mission of the YCC fit nicely with a project the Corps of Engineers needed to complete. Our project for the YCC team was coined The Gate Marking Project, which involved scraping flaking paint, applying fresh paint, and remarking entrance gates in Corps recreation areas along the Mississippi River from the Quad Cities to Burlington, IA. This project needed to be completed to comply with new National Corps of Engineers standards. Refuge personnel supervise and lead by example the YCC Crew, and Nathan Redecker was up to the task. Nathan is an undergraduate student at southeast Missouri State University. He will begin his senior year this fall majoring in wildlife and conservation biology. He successfully led Estaban Gutierrez, Kayla Swanson, Antonio Rocha, and Shelby Gapen, who all reside within the local commuting area of the refuge and were randomly selected for the crew. These year olds were diligent, meticulous, and committed to the effort. They traveled through two states and five recreation areas to complete seventeen gates. Nathan and his team were professional, courteous, hard working, and were a great representation of teenagers today.

8 A big Thank You goes out to Refuge Managers Cathy Henry and Ron Knopik, as well as Nathan and his YCC team. The photo below shows the completed Blanchard Island Recreation Area entrance gate located downriver of Muscatine, IA on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT CLARKS FERRY CAMPGROUND The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project invites campers and the visiting public to attend campground programs held at Clark s Ferry Recreation Area. Throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, presenters will cover a host of topics for all to enjoy. As a reminder, all campground programs are subject to cancellation or rescheduling in the event of rain or severe weather. Programming for the month of September includes: Saturday, September 1, 2012, 8 PM, Clark s Ferry Campground - The final presenter of the year is always a popular one. Mike Hutchison of Iowa Parrot Rescue returns with a live demonstration about exotic birds. Learn about care needed for these beautiful birds. Clark s Ferry Campground is located just off Highway 22 at 3860 Sunset Beach, Montpelier, IA Clark s Ferry offers 45 campsites, electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, drinking water, a dump station, playground, boat launch and firewood. To reserve a campsite, contact the National Recreation Reservation Service toll free at (877) Campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Muscatine Park Rangers by at mvrodmn16@usace.army.mil or by phone at (563) Quiincy Ranger Sttattiion News As the end of the boating season in Quincy draws nearer, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for people to get out on the mighty Mississippi and enjoy its majestic beauty. On September 15th, the Quincy Park Rangers will be making sure that everyone has at least one last opportunity to enjoy this beautiful stretch of river. A 5.4 mile hand powered boat race ("The Quincy 5 Miler") will be taking place starting at Canton Chute Recreation area and finishing at the South Side Boat Club in Quincy. Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats alike are invited to take part in the event. The Park Rangers will be patrolling the course by boat to ensure the safety of all involved. For more information check out the website or call the Quincy Park Rangers Office at If you would like to be removed from our list please print "unsubscribe" in the subject line in a reply to us. Thank you, Natural Resource Management Staff P.O. Box 2004 Rock Island, Illinois (309) mvrodmn15@usace.army.mil Website -